The sun on your face, the wind in your hair and ocean as far as the eye can see - it was the perfect summer day in Newfoundland. Zip up your survival suit and hop aboard - it's time to get up close and personal with nature, courtesy of O'Brien's Whale & Bird Tours.

Picture yourself at work, you’re sitting at your desk, and a tiny red flag pops up in your Facebook notifications. You click through only to find that it’s a message from Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism telling you that you’ve just won a whale adventure.

You could say Dee Jay Charters knows a thing or two about adventure on the water – this summer marks their 25th year sailing through the famous St. John’s Narrows. Whales, bergs, birds – they’ve seen it all, and today I hopped aboard to experience their unique brand of tour for myself.

I never win things. It’s not from a lack of trying, because believe me I try. In fact, I try harder than most. Here’s why: I love free stuff – doesn’t matter how big or how small, if it’s free, it’s fantastic. A couple of weeks ago, Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism held a giveaway during their annual Whale Week celebration – the prize was a massive whale-watching excursion for two, compliments of Air Canada and Maxxim Vacations.

It was another beautiful, sunny day in the capital city as I donned my life jacket and skirt for a kayaking adventure with The Outfitters. Had I already been kayakingtwice this summer? You betcha! Was this trip just like the others? Absolutely not. This was unlike any tour I had experienced. I’m talking middle of the ocean, paddling into sea caves, being followed by whales – this was Newfoundland adventure at it’s finest.

St. John's is a city perched on the edge of nature, surrounded by scenic beauty, dramatic coastlines and wildlife. I decided to grab my picnic blanket and basket and perch myself at some of our top destinations. Join me as I explore our colourful capital city:

The roar of the engine cuts out and everything is silent. I hold my breath and scan the waters for a sign of life. Suddenly a glistening black and white tail flicks up and into view. “Go! Go! Go!” screams the Skipper and I plunge into the icy waters. As I swim I look through my mask into the deep and see a giant directly below me – there’s no turning back now, I’m swimming with humpbacks.

On Friday afternoon, July 11 just as the skies opened up we started driving from Corner Brook to Gros Morne National Park. The forecast was calling for good weather so we hoped the heavy rain was localized and sure enough as we headed north from Deer Lake it began to clear and by the time we reached Woody Point it was sunny again. We checked into the comfortable Victorian Manor Efficiency Units (http://www.grosmorne.com/victorianmanor/) and shortly thereafter our friends Martin and Molly Ware arrived. Our plan was to show them some short hiking trails that we had discovered the previous fall and have dinner at the Merchant Warehouse which just opened last year on the Woody Point waterfront.

A love of the ocean and its natural surroundings led owners (and brothers) Joe and Loyola O'Brien to offer guided tours of the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve aboard their refurbished fishing vessel the Rob and Rand. Operating under the name Bird Island Charters in 1985, they were the first boat-touring company to operate out of Bay Bulls, Newfoundland. Their great service, emphasis on safety, and unique brand of entertainment quickly attracted a growing number of visitors. They soon added two 46-foot passenger vessels, the Atlantic Puffin and Atlantic Whaler, to give visitors an even more comfortable tour. This year marks their 30th anniversary and I was thrilled to join in on the celebrations! Atlantic Puffins, Humpback Whales, seabirds, icebergs, sea stacks, caves and a geyser are just some of the sights you can see during one of their daily boat tours - I couldn't wait to get on the water.

Nestled in woodland above the village of Open Hall in Eastern Newfoundland, Eagles Cliffe Cottages provide luxury accommodations with a breathtaking view of the islands and waters of Bonavista Bay. Known for their outstanding hospitality and coastal scenery of outport Newfoundland, Eagles Cliffe Cottages is excited to expand it's wheelhouse by offering two new unique experiences.

I had the honour of being the very first passenger on Iceberg Quest's newest offering - she's fast, she's bold and most of all, it's the most fun I've ever had on the ocean. Introducing a brand new 12 passenger zodiac - buckle your seat belts folks, you've never experience Newfoundland quite like this. If you want to get up close and personal with nature (and I mean close!), there's no better way than aboard this vessel.

The Outfitters opened their doors at 220 Water Street in 1998 and have grown to become a leader in Newfoundland and Labrador supplying specialty clothing and equipment for self propelled outdoor adventures. But the storefront is just the starting point - this is where they prepare you for your next adventure - and trust me, their commitment to their customers extends far beyond the sales counter. I sat down with Jonathan Simon who's in charge of their Marketing and Communications to talk about the business of adventure in Newfoundland.

Spring is upon us and what better way to enjoy the warmer weather than exploring the hundreds of diverse hiking trails right here in St. John's! Let the fresh sea air rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit and maybe even spot a playful humpback or a sparkling parade of 10,000 year-old towering icebergs. Here within, some notable hikes in the capital.

Have you ever felt the rush before boarding a ship for an adventure into Canada’s North?

The Northern Ranger ferry service links the small, remote communities of Nunatsiavut during the summer months with a 5-day return trip: Happy Valley-Goose Bay to Nain. This return trip affords you a rare opportunity to learn the history and culture of this region and the Labrador Inuit lifestyle. During each community visit you will witness how vibrant traditions and culture resonate within modern communities; all under the backdrop of a wild and majestic sub-arctic Labrador environment that profoundly contrasts with the island of Newfoundland.

A day spent on the water is a quintessential experience when travelling to Newfoundland & Labrador. Set sail from St. John's harbour and witness the world’s largest concentration of humpback whales, 12,000 year old icebergs and elegant seabirds feeding in our coastal waters. Iceberg Quest’s award winning tour has been departing from St. John’s and Twillingate showcasing Newfoundland’s unique charm for over a decade. I sat down down with Captain Barry Rogers for an unforgettable hour as he regaled me with tales of his childhood on the water, the beginnings of Iceberg Quest and a sneak peek of some of their new product offerings for 2014.

Cruise Nunatsiavut in Labrador to experience unique aboriginal culture and breathtaking Arctic scenery. Find yourself in the adventures and mysteries of the Labrador Inuit as you cruise through their homeland.

The Northern Ranger ferry service links the small, remote communities of Nunatsiavut during the summer months with a 5-day return trip: Happy Valley-Goose Bay to Nain. Passengers have a choice of accommodations ranging from a dormitory bunk to a deluxe cabin with ensuite.

The return trip affords you a rare opportunity to learn the history and culture of this region and the Labrador Inuit lifstyle. During each community visit you will witness how vibrant traditions and culture resonate within modern communities; all under the backdrop of a wild and majestic sub-arctic Labrador environment that profoundly contrasts with the island of Newfoundland.

A local couple explored every kilometre of the East Coast Trail. All 265 of them. Living in Portugal Cove, they had convenient access to the East Coast Trail -- but never lost their entusiasm and sense of awe as they travelled in just past their own backyard.